Female Therapists in Summerland, BC
![Photo of Kim Lawrick - Kim Lawrick Counselling, BA(Psy), MA, CCC, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/45f693ac-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Kim Lawrick Counselling
Counsellor, BA(Psy), MA, CCC
Verified Verified
Summerland, BC V0H (Online Only)
Often when someone is looking for a counsellor they feel overwhelmed or confused about how to feel better. The counselling process can help you sort out your feelings and thoughts, consider what might be helpful for you, and work toward creating change that will help you to experience a greater sense of wellness in your life. Some issues that we can address include: the loss of a loved one, your health, or other part of yourself; going through a life transition; relationship issues; stress, anxiety, worry, or depression; trauma - such as motor vehicle, medical, or relational.
Often when someone is looking for a counsellor they feel overwhelmed or confused about how to feel better. The counselling process can help you sort out your feelings and thoughts, consider what might be helpful for you, and work toward creating change that will help you to experience a greater sense of wellness in your life. Some issues that we can address include: the loss of a loved one, your health, or other part of yourself; going through a life transition; relationship issues; stress, anxiety, worry, or depression; trauma - such as motor vehicle, medical, or relational.
![Photo of Jeannine Burnes, MACP, BSocPsy, RCC, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/526bab70-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Are you considering reaching out after experiencing trauma? Life can feel overwhelming at times and, like all journeys, it doesn’t always go the way we hoped. People can experience a feeling of being unable to move forward. I can help with that by working with you to discover what is impacting you, increase your resilience & create a more meaningful life by teaching you coping techniques. I have worked with trauma survivors for over 16 years & seeking help is the first step towards healing. Counselling can help you work through your feelings, thoughts and relationships, helping make sense of why you feel the way you do.
Are you considering reaching out after experiencing trauma? Life can feel overwhelming at times and, like all journeys, it doesn’t always go the way we hoped. People can experience a feeling of being unable to move forward. I can help with that by working with you to discover what is impacting you, increase your resilience & create a more meaningful life by teaching you coping techniques. I have worked with trauma survivors for over 16 years & seeking help is the first step towards healing. Counselling can help you work through your feelings, thoughts and relationships, helping make sense of why you feel the way you do.
![Photo of Sarah Brooks - Safe Harbour Counselling, RCC, RCS, MTC, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/60479291-27c7-40b4-8126-2354587d9bea/1/320x400.jpeg)
Safe Harbour Counselling
Counsellor, RCC, RCS, MTC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Summerland, BC V0H (Online Only)
My practice welcomes adults seeking support with issues such as complex or developmental trauma (childhood trauma), shock trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship conflicts, life transitions, and personal growth. I am committed to providing culturally sensitive and affirming care to clients of diverse backgrounds.
My practice welcomes adults seeking support with issues such as complex or developmental trauma (childhood trauma), shock trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship conflicts, life transitions, and personal growth. I am committed to providing culturally sensitive and affirming care to clients of diverse backgrounds.
![Photo of Pam Athwal, BA, RPN, Psychiatric Nurse](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e9ba8299-6233-4de2-904d-4fb8134ae609/1/320x400.jpeg)
As a psychiatric nurse I value research based approaches and personalized client care in my practice. I work from an eclectic and collaborative approach with each client to ensure that client's feel heard, seen and included throughout their therapeutic journey. I work with kids, teens and adults that have struggled with mental health issues, including psychiatric diagnosis, as well as individuals who have experienced trauma, discrimination, gender identity related issues, and domestic violence recovery.
As a psychiatric nurse I value research based approaches and personalized client care in my practice. I work from an eclectic and collaborative approach with each client to ensure that client's feel heard, seen and included throughout their therapeutic journey. I work with kids, teens and adults that have struggled with mental health issues, including psychiatric diagnosis, as well as individuals who have experienced trauma, discrimination, gender identity related issues, and domestic violence recovery.
![Photo of Michelle Dawne Nelson - New Dawn Counselling & Consulting, RN, BScN, MEd, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4c4a6330-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
New Dawn Counselling & Consulting
Registered Psychotherapist, RN, BScN, MEd
Verified Verified
Summerland, BC V0H (Online Only)
My name is Michelle Nelson and I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (#3093) and a Registered Nurse. A member in good standing with both the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors and British Columbia College of Nursing Professionals. A Master's degree in Counselling Psychology was obtained from the University of Victoria and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University College of the Cariboo. My work experience has encompassed psychiatry, a medical detox center and Mental Health. I provide both skype and phone counselling sessions if you do not live in the South Okanagan area.
My name is Michelle Nelson and I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (#3093) and a Registered Nurse. A member in good standing with both the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors and British Columbia College of Nursing Professionals. A Master's degree in Counselling Psychology was obtained from the University of Victoria and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University College of the Cariboo. My work experience has encompassed psychiatry, a medical detox center and Mental Health. I provide both skype and phone counselling sessions if you do not live in the South Okanagan area.
![Photo of Susan Kast, BSW, MSW, RSW, RCC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c466cea2-f402-4d4b-b201-76c88cf26dd0/1/320x400.jpeg)
Susan Kast
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, BSW, MSW, RSW, RCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Summerland, BC V0H
One of the many joys I experience working as a therapist is helping people to connect to their inner strengths, resources, resilience, and courage. I bring to my practice 20 years of experience supporting children, teens, adults, elders, and families through some of life’s most difficult hardships, transitions, and losses. I specialize in grief and loss, trauma counselling, and the often-accompanying issues of anxiety, depression, and addiction. I enjoy working with kids and teens and helping them feel safe and capable as we discover creative avenues of expression for their often complex and profound emotions and ideas.
One of the many joys I experience working as a therapist is helping people to connect to their inner strengths, resources, resilience, and courage. I bring to my practice 20 years of experience supporting children, teens, adults, elders, and families through some of life’s most difficult hardships, transitions, and losses. I specialize in grief and loss, trauma counselling, and the often-accompanying issues of anxiety, depression, and addiction. I enjoy working with kids and teens and helping them feel safe and capable as we discover creative avenues of expression for their often complex and profound emotions and ideas.
![Photo of Sylvie Hamel, MC, RCC-ACS, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/405ae999-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am specialized in trauma. I work with impact trauma, medical trauma, relational trauma and global activation. In my practice, I encounter many people who have adopted coping strategies that impair their quality of life and interpersonal relationships.
I am specialized in trauma. I work with impact trauma, medical trauma, relational trauma and global activation. In my practice, I encounter many people who have adopted coping strategies that impair their quality of life and interpersonal relationships.
![Photo of Deanna Buckner, BSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/42a648e0-e356-46ad-b99f-c72322de5ea8/2/320x400.jpeg)
My journey to becoming a counsellor began with a long-standing career in emergency services. With over 20 years of providing front-line support to emergency service personnel and individuals in crisis, I wanted to expand on that in a way that could benefit others long term, which led to this profession. I acknowledge it takes immense courage for clients to be curious about what is troubling them, and I approach each session with gratitude and genuine care. Simply, I believe that people begin to heal when they are heard.
My journey to becoming a counsellor began with a long-standing career in emergency services. With over 20 years of providing front-line support to emergency service personnel and individuals in crisis, I wanted to expand on that in a way that could benefit others long term, which led to this profession. I acknowledge it takes immense courage for clients to be curious about what is troubling them, and I approach each session with gratitude and genuine care. Simply, I believe that people begin to heal when they are heard.
![Photo of Satu Springer, BA, MTC, RCS, SEP, NARM, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/48a5b8ef-70f9-4849-b5ec-9d332c5c0a4e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Satu Springer
Counsellor, BA, MTC, RCS, SEP, NARM
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Summerland, BC V0H (Online Only)
At some point, we all hit a wall where self-help books and call-in therapy radio shows are no longer enough. Whether you are finding your way through grief over the loss of a loved one, experiencing a transition in your life, struggling in relationship or career, there is no reason why you have to go it alone. Believing a counselor must work on healing their own issues first, I have worked thru my own struggles in all of these areas. As a result I bring that learning to help many others.
At some point, we all hit a wall where self-help books and call-in therapy radio shows are no longer enough. Whether you are finding your way through grief over the loss of a loved one, experiencing a transition in your life, struggling in relationship or career, there is no reason why you have to go it alone. Believing a counselor must work on healing their own issues first, I have worked thru my own struggles in all of these areas. As a result I bring that learning to help many others.
![Photo of Sarah Gibson, MA, RCC, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2271ae84-bbd1-444f-81a5-b238f76c522f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sarah Gibson
Counsellor, MA, RCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Summerland, BC V0H
Waitlist for new clients
Is your child or adolescent overly anxious as they struggle with low-self esteem and a lack of confidence? You may be observing them figuring out who they are and are exploring different facets of their identity, including questions around gender, sexuality, and how they express themselves in their clothing choices. During this process, they may be having difficulty making or maintaining positive relationships with those around them. At home or school, overwhelming feelings of worry and frustration are becoming harder to deal with and your child is in need of support. I can support your child to thrive through all of these changes.
Is your child or adolescent overly anxious as they struggle with low-self esteem and a lack of confidence? You may be observing them figuring out who they are and are exploring different facets of their identity, including questions around gender, sexuality, and how they express themselves in their clothing choices. During this process, they may be having difficulty making or maintaining positive relationships with those around them. At home or school, overwhelming feelings of worry and frustration are becoming harder to deal with and your child is in need of support. I can support your child to thrive through all of these changes.
![Photo of Melanie Konynenberg One Journey Clinical Counselling, MC, RCC, BMus, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8953476b-434e-4423-86de-2c97b974aefc/2/320x400.jpeg)
Melanie Konynenberg One Journey Clinical Counselling
Counsellor, MC, RCC, BMus
Verified Verified
Summerland, BC V0H
I have a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Alberta and a master's degree in counselling psychology from Athabasca University. I have been married for 24 years and I am a mom to one teen and two young adults. I appreciate the beauty of nature, the power of music, and the companionship of dogs and other furry creatures. In my life, I have experienced both joy and pain, and have arrived at the other side with increased resilience and hope.
I have a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Alberta and a master's degree in counselling psychology from Athabasca University. I have been married for 24 years and I am a mom to one teen and two young adults. I appreciate the beauty of nature, the power of music, and the companionship of dogs and other furry creatures. In my life, I have experienced both joy and pain, and have arrived at the other side with increased resilience and hope.
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![Photo of Rhea Redivo, BSW, MSW, RSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ee79c09-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Rhea Redivo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, BSW, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Summerland, BC V0H
Life is a journey, and like all journeys, the road can be unpredictable - sometimes smooth, other times rough. While we can handle most rough spots, sometimes we feel defeated by daily responsibilities, or generally exhausted, and we may not even know why. At times like this, it can help to explore what's going on with someone who is safe, supportive and understanding. Reaching out takes courage and wisdom. My goal is to walk with you through those rough times, offering hope, inspiration, skills and tools, and discovering your new best self. We learn and grow through challenges - let's take this road together.
Life is a journey, and like all journeys, the road can be unpredictable - sometimes smooth, other times rough. While we can handle most rough spots, sometimes we feel defeated by daily responsibilities, or generally exhausted, and we may not even know why. At times like this, it can help to explore what's going on with someone who is safe, supportive and understanding. Reaching out takes courage and wisdom. My goal is to walk with you through those rough times, offering hope, inspiration, skills and tools, and discovering your new best self. We learn and grow through challenges - let's take this road together.
![Photo of Maureen Ann Carey-Barkley, MACP, RCC, ACS, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4888c10f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Maureen Ann Carey-Barkley
Counsellor, MACP, RCC, ACS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Summerland, BC V0H
I am a registered clinical counsellor and approved clinical supervisor with extensive training and experience in working with trauma, as well as helping people with life's challenges. My experience and certifications include play therapy and EMDR. I am client-centred, believing in the importance of relationship as I walk with you during part of your life's journey. I counsel children, youth and adults.
I am a registered clinical counsellor and approved clinical supervisor with extensive training and experience in working with trauma, as well as helping people with life's challenges. My experience and certifications include play therapy and EMDR. I am client-centred, believing in the importance of relationship as I walk with you during part of your life's journey. I counsel children, youth and adults.
![Photo of Valerie Harbour, MC, RCC, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1f0717c1-56f3-447a-9631-285b4a5e8511/3/320x400.jpeg)
Life happens. Will you let life happen to you, or will you choose your direction? Whether you are experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, life changes, or just feeling stuck, you always have a choice. I work with individuals, couples and families to cultivate new ways of looking at problems. I will draw on your strengths and also help you develop new skills to assist you along the way.
Life happens. Will you let life happen to you, or will you choose your direction? Whether you are experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, life changes, or just feeling stuck, you always have a choice. I work with individuals, couples and families to cultivate new ways of looking at problems. I will draw on your strengths and also help you develop new skills to assist you along the way.
![Photo of Mare McHale, BSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/88893d35-0d0f-4a2c-a643-93264a58b75c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Do you ever feel looked-over, not heard or less worthy? Do you have people in your life who seem to be excelling but some days you can barely muster the energy to look at your to-do list, let alone accomplish much? Have you experienced loss - as in a loved one passing away, or loss as in divorce, a break-up, job loss or friendships ending? We can often feel alone, but that is where Mare comes in. She creates a safe, open, accepting and confidential space in which you can explore your thoughts and feelings to be empowered for change.
Do you ever feel looked-over, not heard or less worthy? Do you have people in your life who seem to be excelling but some days you can barely muster the energy to look at your to-do list, let alone accomplish much? Have you experienced loss - as in a loved one passing away, or loss as in divorce, a break-up, job loss or friendships ending? We can often feel alone, but that is where Mare comes in. She creates a safe, open, accepting and confidential space in which you can explore your thoughts and feelings to be empowered for change.
![Photo of Lucinda C Bibbs, MC, RCC, CPT, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40a3f7a3-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lucinda C Bibbs
Counsellor, MC, RCC, CPT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Summerland, BC V0H
Waitlist for new clients
Are you feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, depressed, anxious or stuck in life? Take the first step in overcoming your challenges and together, we can work to create positive change in your life.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, depressed, anxious or stuck in life? Take the first step in overcoming your challenges and together, we can work to create positive change in your life.
![Photo of Natalie Magdalena Dunser, MEd, RCC, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6e756bc6-be87-4f2a-a9a8-9f516227295e/3/320x400.jpeg)
I invite you to come to a safe space to gather strategies and tools that can help to strengthen your own knowing and can gently guide you back to your intelligent heart. During these uncertain times, it can be comforting to find someone to collaborate with to regain a sense of direction, hope, and stability.
I invite you to come to a safe space to gather strategies and tools that can help to strengthen your own knowing and can gently guide you back to your intelligent heart. During these uncertain times, it can be comforting to find someone to collaborate with to regain a sense of direction, hope, and stability.
![Photo of Marsha Healey - Dandelion Counselling Services, RTC, RPC-C, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/790e3b9e-8b50-4a27-b97a-71df5fafa8f3/1/320x400.jpeg)
“Nothing about us without us” is a movement in the Autistic community that is foundational in the support provided to Neurodiverse persons and their families. I am passionate about helping individuals and families thrive. I work with families from diverse backgrounds and am dedicated to providing culturally-sensitive care. As a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor who also has lived experience as an Autistic person, I understand the nuanced needs of autistic adults and families needing support for their neurodiverse children.
“Nothing about us without us” is a movement in the Autistic community that is foundational in the support provided to Neurodiverse persons and their families. I am passionate about helping individuals and families thrive. I work with families from diverse backgrounds and am dedicated to providing culturally-sensitive care. As a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor who also has lived experience as an Autistic person, I understand the nuanced needs of autistic adults and families needing support for their neurodiverse children.
![Photo of Maiya Robbie, RTC, EXAT, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a593982e-8992-40e5-b933-eed7f79c4ce2/1/320x400.jpeg)
There are times throughout our lives when we seek support and reflection. Times when we want to focus on our well-being with a trusted and skilled witness. You may be here because you are feeling stuck, overwhelmed, are hurting, experiencing depression or anxiety, or are simply feeling ready to step into a growing call for change in your life. Expressive arts therapy is an arts based and somatically informed approach to psychotherapy that connects us to our inner resources. *No experience in or previous knowledge of the arts is required.
There are times throughout our lives when we seek support and reflection. Times when we want to focus on our well-being with a trusted and skilled witness. You may be here because you are feeling stuck, overwhelmed, are hurting, experiencing depression or anxiety, or are simply feeling ready to step into a growing call for change in your life. Expressive arts therapy is an arts based and somatically informed approach to psychotherapy that connects us to our inner resources. *No experience in or previous knowledge of the arts is required.
![Photo of Stefanie Iverson - South Okanagan Counselling Group, RCC, RSW, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/952f1ca7-8a06-43cb-8787-ae0ab876647d/1/320x400.jpeg)
South Okanagan Counselling Group
Counsellor, RCC, RSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Summerland, BC V0H
Find Your Therapist Here ... South Okanagan Counselling is a team of ethical, compassionate, and impeccably skilled therapists that effectively partner with clients in their journey toward optimal wellbeing. Located in Penticton, servicing the South Okanagan (Summerland to Osoyoos), providing support to adults, couples, youth, families, and child counselling.
Find Your Therapist Here ... South Okanagan Counselling is a team of ethical, compassionate, and impeccably skilled therapists that effectively partner with clients in their journey toward optimal wellbeing. Located in Penticton, servicing the South Okanagan (Summerland to Osoyoos), providing support to adults, couples, youth, families, and child counselling.
![Photo of Natasha Roblesky, RCC, MCoun, BSc, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/acde36d9-6114-4bfe-97ee-4da5b575806f/2/320x400.jpeg)
I offer counselling in the Okanagan and Kamloops, and virtually across BC, for youth and adults with ADHD, stress, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, life transitions, relationship challenges, self-harm, trauma and issues with self-esteem, self-worth and perfectionism. I have special expertise in supporting post-secondary clients with school stress. I have a sense of genuine care for my clients and focus on building and maintaining a strong rapport throughout the counselling process. In a world of never ending societal pressures, I work with clients to help them begin to live more congruent lives that align with their true values.
I offer counselling in the Okanagan and Kamloops, and virtually across BC, for youth and adults with ADHD, stress, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, life transitions, relationship challenges, self-harm, trauma and issues with self-esteem, self-worth and perfectionism. I have special expertise in supporting post-secondary clients with school stress. I have a sense of genuine care for my clients and focus on building and maintaining a strong rapport throughout the counselling process. In a world of never ending societal pressures, I work with clients to help them begin to live more congruent lives that align with their true values.
![Photo of Natalie Maxson, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/735733d8-2d33-4cd1-856f-d7445ec09680/1/320x400.png)
For most of my life, I have been fascinated by people’s stories. I treasure the privilege of getting to know someone’s journey and witness the ways they come to heal, grow and deepen into who they are. My role as a counsellor is to support, listen and encourage you. I hope to provide a safe harbour in whatever waters you are navigating in your life by being an anchoring and steady presence.
For most of my life, I have been fascinated by people’s stories. I treasure the privilege of getting to know someone’s journey and witness the ways they come to heal, grow and deepen into who they are. My role as a counsellor is to support, listen and encourage you. I hope to provide a safe harbour in whatever waters you are navigating in your life by being an anchoring and steady presence.
![Photo of Rupinder Sidhu, RCC, CCC, MCP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8d86dfca-3af8-4b7b-9a05-c899c741b75f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Rupinder Sidhu
Counsellor, RCC, CCC, MCP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Summerland, BC V0H (Online Only)
Hi there, I’m Rupinder and I am an experienced Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BCACC specializing in healing from grief, relieving anxiety and depression, and coping with stress. I have held various supervisory roles, including work at an Employee and Family Assistance program and as a mental health and addictions supervisor, and have been in the counselling field for many years. I speak fluent Punjabi for those wanting support in their native language and my sessions are available online for busy professionals or those wanting therapy in the comfort of their own home.
Hi there, I’m Rupinder and I am an experienced Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BCACC specializing in healing from grief, relieving anxiety and depression, and coping with stress. I have held various supervisory roles, including work at an Employee and Family Assistance program and as a mental health and addictions supervisor, and have been in the counselling field for many years. I speak fluent Punjabi for those wanting support in their native language and my sessions are available online for busy professionals or those wanting therapy in the comfort of their own home.
![Photo of Kelly Love - Alfresco Therapy, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bafb8ef3-f35d-4f57-bdac-968169526046/1/320x400.png)
At Alfresco Therapy, we honour the intricate tapestry of human experiences, recognizing that diversity is not only a strength but a source of inspiration. We believe in a holistic approach to mental health and wellness, where each individual’s unique journey is acknowledged and respected. Our commitment is to support our clients through the ever-changing seasons of life, encouraging personal growth, resilience and understanding. Through an adventurous commitment of service, we extend a warm and welcoming invite to every remote corner of the YT and BC.
At Alfresco Therapy, we honour the intricate tapestry of human experiences, recognizing that diversity is not only a strength but a source of inspiration. We believe in a holistic approach to mental health and wellness, where each individual’s unique journey is acknowledged and respected. Our commitment is to support our clients through the ever-changing seasons of life, encouraging personal growth, resilience and understanding. Through an adventurous commitment of service, we extend a warm and welcoming invite to every remote corner of the YT and BC.
![Photo of Eleanor Edgar, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/10d1288a-9289-414b-b7b3-eaf55849bd2d/1/320x400.jpeg)
For more details about me and my practice please visit my website at www.eleanoredgar.com
For more details about me and my practice please visit my website at www.eleanoredgar.com
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Does it matter what gender my therapist is?
In general, this is not an important factor, as there is no relationship between a therapist’s gender and their efficacy. Some clients, however, prefer to see therapists of a particular gender, whether due to their own past experiences with men and women, or ingrained beliefs about how people of different genders think and behave. Exploring the roots of such preferences and considering what one wants to address in therapy can help someone determine whether their therapist’s gender truly matters to them.
Should I see a female therapist?
Many people—not just women—prefer to see a female therapist, either because they believe that a woman will be able to relate to their specific challenges (for example, sexism in the workplace) or because they imagine feeling more comfortable disclosing sensitive information to a woman. Such beliefs may not turn out to be accurate, however, and adhering too rigidly to a gender preference can at times hinder a client from finding the best therapeutic match.
Do therapists get specific training to help with women’s concerns?
Therapists are trained to provide care to clients of any gender. However, some therapists—both men and women—may pursue additional training in feminist therapy, gender-specific issues, or women’s mental health. Female clients may wish to ask prospective therapists whether they have received specific training in the client’s primary area(s) of concern, or whether they have worked extensively with women on issues similar to their own.
How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience in treating women?
It’s OK—even encouraged!—to ask a therapist directly whether and how often they have treated women in the past, or whether they have treated women dealing with the client’s most prominent concern(s). Competent therapists will be happy to share their educational background, preferred treatment modalities, and prior client experience to help an individual find the therapist best suited to their needs.